Spirit Airlines carry-on policy puts CEO in a tight spot

With possible U.S. Dept. of Transportation and Congressional actions looming, Spirit Airlines President and CEO Ben Baldanza finds himself in a tight spot.

With possible U.S. Dept. of Transportation and Congressional actions looming, Spirit Airlines President and CEO Ben Baldanza finds himself in a tight spot.

Just look at the following YouTube video in which Baldanza, lying in an overhead bin, defends the airline’s pending action to charge passengers up to $45 to bring a carry-on bag onboard Spirit’s fleet.

Spirit today sent an email to customers, signed by Baldanza, with a link to the video.

Clearly on the defensive as DOT Secretary Ray LaHood says the department is looking into ways to “mitigate” Spirit’s announced policy, Baldanza defends Spirit’s carry-on policy, points to its innovative new “free personal item allowance,” and characterizes the initiative as a “win” for everyone, leading to “happier customers that pay less!”